The Sunday Thymes: Your Ultimate Guide to Weekend Inspiration, Spring Recipes & Creative Living

Welcome back to another edition of The Sunday Thymes, your weekly dose of curated inspiration designed to uplift, nourish, and spark creativity in your everyday life. As the days grow longer and the vibrant hues of spring begin to emerge, there’s a renewed sense of energy and possibility in the air. This week, we’re diving into a delightful mix of culinary explorations, engaging DIY projects, insightful reads, and a peek into some personal adventures that capture the essence of the season. Get ready to discover new favorites, plan your next weekend project, and perhaps even find a fresh perspective to carry into the week ahead. We believe in living beautifully and intentionally, and this roundup is crafted to help you do just that.

My first Chicago green river experience – a truly unforgettable sign of spring’s festive arrival!

Favorite Finds & Inspiring Links: Your Weekly Curated Collection

This week, I’ve scoured the web to bring you a collection of articles, recipes, and creative projects that have truly captured my attention. From practical tips to pure indulgence, there’s something here for everyone looking to add a little extra joy and inspiration to their days.

• Tracy from Shutterbean recently shared her top picks for favorite writing pens, and I’m utterly obsessed! There’s something incredibly satisfying about a pen that glides effortlessly across the page, turning mundane tasks like grocery lists or journaling into a small pleasure. A good pen can truly elevate your daily writing experience, whether you’re jotting down ideas, sketching, or simply taking notes. These recommendations have me considering an upgrade to my pen collection, eager to rediscover the simple joy of putting pen to paper.
• Spring in a tart cherry granola smoothie bowl! This recipe from A Couple Cooks is an absolute game-changer for a vibrant and nutritious breakfast. Smoothie bowls are not just a feast for the eyes; they’re packed with essential nutrients, fiber, and protein to kickstart your day. The tartness of cherries combined with crunchy granola offers a fantastic texture and flavor profile, making it a perfect light yet satisfying meal as the weather warms up. It’s an ideal way to incorporate more fruits and whole grains into your diet.
• How incredibly delicious does this shrimp and cauliflower grits recipe with hot sauce butter look from Milly’s Kitchen? Wow! This dish elevates classic comfort food with a healthier, yet equally flavorful, twist. The creamy texture of cauliflower grits provides a wonderful base for perfectly cooked shrimp, all brought together with a kick of hot sauce butter. It’s sophisticated enough for a dinner party but comforting enough for a cozy night in, promising a delightful culinary experience that will impress your taste buds.
• Homemade quickpuff pastry dough. YES! Pastry Affairy shares a recipe that makes this often-intimidating baking staple surprisingly accessible. Imagine the possibilities: flaky tarts, savory turnovers, elegant palmiers, or even simple cheese straws, all made with your own hands. Achieving that perfect golden, airy puff pastry from scratch is a truly rewarding kitchen project, and a “quick” version means less time waiting and more time enjoying your delicious creations.
• Love and Lemons brings us a naturally green shamrock shake smoothie that you can absolutely have for breakfast. Forget the artificial dyes and sugary syrups of the fast-food version; this wholesome smoothie gets its vibrant green hue from natural ingredients like spinach or kale (you won’t taste it, I promise!), combined with refreshing mint. It’s a deliciously healthy way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, or simply enjoy a fresh, invigorating breakfast any day of the week, packed with vitamins and natural flavors.
• All of a sudden, I’m having the intense urge to DIY all the things, like this adorable pom-pom wall hanging from Sugar & Cloth. [P.S. this usually means I’m a little stressed out, haha]. There’s something incredibly therapeutic about channeling energy into a creative project. Whether it’s crafting home decor, personalizing gifts, or upcycling old items, DIY projects offer a wonderful outlet for self-expression and stress relief. Plus, the satisfaction of creating something beautiful with your own hands is truly unmatched.
• Oh, and while you’re feeling crafty, you absolutely have to make these DIY floral macarons from Sugar & Cloth too. Because I have lots of spare time these days (ahem, not really!). Macarons are notoriously delicate to make, but the reward is a beautiful, sophisticated treat that looks as good as it tastes. Infusing them with floral notes adds an extra layer of elegance, making them perfect for special occasions, afternoon tea, or simply a delightful personal challenge in the kitchen.
• This insightful article from Thought Catalog about how to ignore the “asshole in your mind” is so true and incredibly powerful. We all have that inner critic, that voice of doubt and negativity. Learning to acknowledge it without letting it control you is a crucial step towards personal growth and leading a more fulfilling life. This read offers practical advice for silencing those unhelpful thoughts and cultivating a more positive, self-compassionate mindset, empowering you to pursue your goals with greater confidence.
• Cup of Jo showcases this beautiful marbled stationery, and I’m completely captivated by its elegance. Marbling is an ancient art form that creates unique, swirling patterns, making each piece a miniature work of art. Imagine using these exquisite papers for personalized notes, gift tags, or even framed art. It’s a wonderful way to add a touch of sophistication and handmade charm to your correspondence or home decor, proving that sometimes, the simplest details make the biggest impact.
• Homemade Thin Mints from Sally’s Baking Addiction! These were my absolute favorite Girl Scout cookie growing up, and the thought of making them from scratch is incredibly appealing. The classic combination of crisp chocolate cookie and refreshing mint chocolate coating is simply irresistible. This recipe allows you to recreate that nostalgic flavor in your own kitchen, ensuring you can enjoy this beloved treat any time of year, without waiting for cookie season.
• Just want to stare at this stunning two-toned ruffle cake from Style Sweet CA all day. It’s a masterpiece of delicate artistry! The intricate ruffles and contrasting colors create a visually breathtaking dessert that’s perfect for celebrations like birthdays, anniversaries, or even Easter. While it looks incredibly impressive, the tutorial breaks down the process, inspiring home bakers to attempt this elegant technique and create their own show-stopping cake.

What I’m Up To This Weekend: Personal Moments & Creative Pursuits

Beyond the inspiring links, I’m also excited to share a few personal highlights and projects that are shaping my weekend. It’s all about balancing inspiration with practical application, and these activities are certainly keeping me engaged.

• Checking out the green river in Chicago! As you saw in the image above, this annual St. Patrick’s Day tradition is truly intense and an incredible spectacle to witness. The sheer volume of people, the festive atmosphere, and the vibrant emerald green river create an unforgettable experience. It’s such a unique way to celebrate the holiday and truly kicks off the spring season with a burst of color and community spirit in the heart of the city.
• Listening to this particular podcast episode by Jess Lively. Podcasts have become an invaluable source of learning and personal growth for me, offering deep dives into various topics while I’m doing other tasks. This specific episode, featuring Brooke Castillo, delves into mind management and self-coaching, providing powerful tools and perspectives for navigating life’s challenges. It’s an incredibly empowering listen that encourages intentional living and strategic thinking, perfect for a thoughtful weekend.
• Ogling over some new food photography backgrounds that just arrived on Thursday. As a food blogger, the right background can make all the difference in transforming a simple dish into a captivating photograph. These new additions from Erickson Woodworks promise to add new textures and dimensions to my visual storytelling. If you are looking for cheaper (more affordable) alternatives to elevate your own food photography without breaking the bank, be sure to check out this comprehensive post that I shared last year. That article details how to find and create stunning, budget-friendly backgrounds using everyday items like old wooden boards, fabric scraps, or even painted poster boards. The vast majority of photos you see on this blog have been taken using those very DIY and affordable options, proving that you don’t need expensive equipment to create professional-looking food images. Experimenting with different surfaces and lighting can drastically improve the aesthetic appeal of your culinary creations, making them truly pop on screen.

Spring Recipes from the Archives: Fresh Flavors for the Season

With spring in full swing, it’s the perfect time to revisit some lighter, brighter recipes from the archives. These dishes celebrate the freshness of the season and are perfect for entertaining or simply enjoying a delicious meal at home.

• Brighten your table with this delightful Lemon Yogurt Bundt Cake! This cake is the epitome of spring: light, zesty, and beautifully elegant. The yogurt ensures a wonderfully moist crumb, while the fresh lemon zest and juice infuse it with a vibrant citrus flavor. This would be such a fantastic Easter dessert or a lovely treat for any spring gathering, offering a sophisticated yet easy-to-make option that everyone will adore.
• A comforting yet fresh chunky pea soup with a perfectly poached egg. This soup is a celebration of spring produce, combining the sweetness of peas with the delicate flavor of leeks. The addition of a runny poached egg adds a luxurious creaminess and extra protein, transforming a simple vegetable soup into a satisfying and elegant meal. It’s a testament to how simple, seasonal ingredients can create something truly special and nourishing.
• It’s almost grilling season! As the weather gets warmer, there’s nothing quite like the sizzle of food on the grill. This post shares my favorite everyday chicken marinade, which is incredibly versatile and guarantees juicy, flavorful chicken every time. Beyond chicken, remember that grilling is fantastic for a variety of proteins and vegetables, making it a healthy and enjoyable way to cook outdoors throughout the spring and summer months. Get those grills ready!

Thank you for joining me for this week’s edition of The Sunday Thymes. I hope these curated links, personal anecdotes, and seasonal recipes provide you with plenty of inspiration for a beautiful week ahead. Whether you’re baking, crafting, reading, or simply enjoying the spring weather, remember to savor the moments and find joy in the little things. Don’t forget to share your own weekend discoveries and favorite spring recipes in the comments below. Until next time, happy living!